Louisiana, 2019Flood in Louisiana, May 1 to 31, 2019
May 1 to 31, 2019 · NWS SHV · 1 event in 1 county or zone
Moderate to major flooding continued throughout all of May along the Ouachita River at Monroe as a result much above normal rainfall that fell across much of the Ouachita River basin of Central and Southern Arkansas and extreme Northern Louisiana since February 2019.
Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.
- Tornadoes
- Tropical storms and surge
- Floods
- Wind
- Hail
- Winter weather
- Heat and drought
- Cold
- Fire, smoke and dust
- Marine and coastal
- Other
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- Deaths
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Property damage
- None recorded
- Crop damage
- None recorded
- Events
- 1
Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
Moderate to major flooding continued throughout all of May along the Ouachita River at Monroe as a result much above normal rainfall that fell across much of the Ouachita River basin of Central and Southern Arkansas and extreme Northern Louisiana since February 2019.
What forecasters said that day
The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Shreveport, LA wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Apr 30, 10:41 PM CST, 1 hour 19 minutes earlier.
Area forecast discussion, Apr 30, 10:41 PM CST, 1 hour 19 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Shreveport LA
1141 PM CDT Tue Apr 30 2019
.UPDATE...
See below for the 06z Aviation Discussion.
The grids and text products were updated for the issuance of
Tornado Watch #116 until 10z Wednesday morning.
CN
&&
.AVIATION...
For the 01/06z TAFs, a line of strong to severe convection is
already affecting Southeast Oklahoma and will spread eastward into
adjacent portions of Southwest Arkansas very early in the period.
High-resolution model guidance suggests the convection may move as
far southeast as the Interstate 30 corridor of Northeast Texas and
Southwest Arkansas, including KTXK, between 01/09z-01/12z.
Scattered convection will likely continue to move southeast into
more of East Texas and Northern Louisiana during the daytime hours
of Wednesday. Additional thunderstorms are expected to develop
over North Texas before moving into Northeast Texas along and
north of Interstate 20 after 02/00z.
Meanwhile. low clouds and MVFR ceilings are already developing
across portions of the area. MVFR ceilings are expected at all TAF
sites during the overnight period, followed by a slow improvement
after sunrise back into the VFR range. IFR/LIFR flight conditions
should be anticipated with the convection.
CN
&&
.PREV DISCUSSION... /issued 1017 PM CDT Tue Apr 30 2019/
UPDATE...
Linear complex of convection continues to move northeast from the
Red River between Oklahoma and Texas, through Eastern Oklahoma,
Northwest Arkansas, and Southwest Missouri. Mesoscale analysis
shows an instability axis of 1000-1500 J/kg extends southwest to
northeast across North Texas, Southeast Oklahoma, and West Central
Arkansas, just ahead of the storms. The linear nature of the
complex would favor more of a damaging wind threat. However,
supercells continue to develop ahead of the line, and 0-1 km SRH
values are high enough to support at least an isolated tornado
threat along and north of Interstate 30.
The latest high-resolution models suggest the southern flank of
the convection complex will surge more southeast towards the
Interstate 30 corridor after midnight. McCurtain County and
adjacent portions of Southwest Arkansas could begin to be affected
by strong to severe storms as early as midnight, and I-30 may be
affected between 3 AM and 6 AM CDT.
The primary update was to change the PoP/QPF/Wx grids based on
current radar trends and current thinking detailed above. Updated
text products have already been sent.
CN
PREV DISCUSSION... /issued 708 PM CDT Tue Apr 30 2019/
UPDATE...
See below for the 00z Aviation Discussion.
Sustained winds speeds have gradually diminished below Lake Wind
Advisory criteria across much of the area. However, speeds will
likely remain above 16 kts across some portions of Northeast Texas
for a few more hours. Therefore, the advisory was extended until
03z tonight for these locations. Updated text products have been
sent.
CN
PREV DISCUSSION... /issued 350 PM CDT Tue Apr 30 2019/
SHORT TERM.../Tonight through Wednesday Night/
The combination of plentiful low-level moisture characterized by
dewpoint values in the 60s and steep lapse rates as an upper-
trough swings east across the region will support strong
thunderstorms along an north of Interstate 30 this evening. Large
hail and damaging winds will be the main threat. Locally heavy
rainfall will be possible in some storms with overall rainfall
totals around 1 to 2 inches expected.
Rainfall will continue into Wednesday with another chance of
severe thunderstorms across much of the ArkLaTex on Wednesday
night. Large hail and damaging winds will be the main threat due
to steep lapse rates and ample low level moisture. Heavy rainfall
on Wednesday night could result in a flash flood threat mainly
north of I-30 with rainfall totals between 2 to 4 inches with
isolated higher amounts up to 5 inches across these areas. Will
hold off on a Flash Flood Watch on this shift but will likely
issue one on later shifts to cover the Wednesday night flood
threat.
Otherwise, a Lake Wind Advisory is in effect for the remainder of
the afternoon and could possibly be extended through this
evening. /05/
LONG TERM.../Thursday through Monday Night/
Disturbed swly flow aloft will continue into the long-term pd.
Shortwave to be lifting newd at the start of the pd, along and/or
just s of a quasi-stationary boundary. Heavy rain/flash flood
potential, especially over our nwrn third of the region will likely
be present both due to efficient rain rates and effects of rains
already fallen. There does seem to be at least some potential for a
few strong to severe storms Thursday with the dynamics of the
shortwave playing the largest role, but instability will likely be
worked over to a degree ahead of this shortwave. Nevertheless,
convection to slowly shift sewd during the day Thursday, diminishing
in strength/coverage during the overnight hours Thursday night.
Pattern to remain unsettled as we shift into the weekend, and
another wave of stronger/widespread convection looks to set up
Friday night into Saturday, as a srn stream trof moves across the
srn CONUS. Flash flooding may be a concern again during this time
pd, depending upon the quantity and placement of previous rains.
A brief reprieve may come in weak wnwly flow aloft Saturday evening
into Monday, but the wet pattern looks to return late Monday and
beyond as another cut off low ques up over the srn CA coast. /12/
&&
.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
SHV 70 85 69 80 / 10 40 50 70
MLU 70 86 68 83 / 10 30 30 50
DEQ 68 79 64 78 / 90 90 80 70
TXK 68 81 66 76 / 70 90 70 70
ELD 69 83 67 78 / 10 50 50 70
TYR 71 83 68 79 / 20 60 80 70
GGG 71 84 67 80 / 20 50 70 70
LFK 72 86 69 82 / 10 20 50 70
&&
.SHV WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
AR...None.
LA...None.
OK...None.
TX...None.
&&
09/35
Hazardous weather outlook, Apr 30, 10:26 PM CST, 1 hour 34 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook...UPDATED
National Weather Service Shreveport LA
1126 PM CDT Tue Apr 30 2019
OKZ077-011100-
McCurtain-
1126 PM CDT Tue Apr 30 2019
This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of southeast
Oklahoma.
.DAY ONE...Tonight...
A Tornado Watch is in effect for Southeast Oklahoma until 5 AM CDT
Wednesday morning.
Thunderstorms will move eastward into Southeast Oklahoma tonight
and into the early morning hours. Some of these storms may be
severe, with damaging winds and large hail. An isolated tornado
cannot be ruled out.
.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday...
Severe thunderstorms will be possible across Southeast Oklahoma,
during the day Wednesday and into Wednesday night. In addition to
the severe weather threat, periods of heavy rainfall as storms
train will become likely near and northwest of the Interstate 30
corridor Wednesday through Friday, which could lead to a flash
flooding threat. This will also result in additional rises on area
waterways.
Thunderstorms will continue to be possible into the weekend and
early next week, but much uncertainty exists as to the intensity
of these storms. As this timeframe comes more into focus, we may
see another risk for severe weather and flash flooding develop.
.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...
Activation of emergency management personnel...amateur radio
operators...and storm spotters may be needed tonight and on
Wednesday.
ARZ050-051-059-060-070-TXZ096-097-108>112-124-125-011100-
Sevier-Howard-Little River-Hempstead-Miller-Red River-Bowie-
Franklin-Titus-Camp-Morris-Cass-Wood-Upshur-
1126 PM CDT Tue Apr 30 2019
This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of southwest
Arkansas and northeast Texas.
.DAY ONE...Tonight...
Thunderstorms will develop and spread eastward into Northeast
Texas, Southeast Oklahoma, and Southwest Arkansas this evening and
overnight. Some of these storms may be severe, with damaging winds
and large hail. An isolated tornado cannot be ruled out.
.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday...
Severe thunderstorms will be possible across Northeast Texas and
Southwest Arkansas Wednesday and into Wednesday night. In
addition to the severe weather threat, periods of heavy rainfall
as storms train will become likely near and northwest of the
Interstate 30 corridor Wednesday through Friday, which could lead
to a flash flooding threat. This will also result in additional
rises on area waterways.
Thunderstorms will continue to be possible into the weekend and
early next week, but much uncertainty exists as to the intensity
of these storms. As this timeframe comes more into focus, we may
see another risk for severe weather and flash flooding develop.
.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...
Activation of emergency management personnel...amateur radio
operators...and storm spotters may be needed later this evening
and tonight.
ARZ061-071>073-LAZ001>006-010>014-017>022-TXZ126-136>138-149>153-
165>167-011100-
Nevada-Lafayette-Columbia-Union-Caddo-Bossier-Webster-Claiborne-
Lincoln-De Soto-Red River-Bienville-Jackson-Ouachita-Sabine-
Natchitoches-Winn-Grant-Caldwell-La Salle-Marion-Smith-Gregg-
Harrison-Cherokee-Rusk-Panola-Nacogdoches-Shelby-Angelina-
San Augustine-
1126 PM CDT Tue Apr 30 2019
This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of south central
Arkansas, southwest Arkansas, north central Louisiana, northwest
Louisiana, east Texas and northeast Texas.
.DAY ONE...Tonight...
No hazardous weather is expected through tonight.
.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday...
Strong to severe thunderstorms will be possible mainly across the
area Wednesday and into Wednesday night. In addition to the
severe weather threat, periods of heavy rainfall as storms train
will be possible as well Thursday and Friday, which could lead to
a flash flooding threat. This will also likely result in
additional rises on area waterways.
Thunderstorms will continue to be possible into the weekend and
early next week, but much uncertainty exists as to the intensity
of these storms. As this timeframe comes more into focus, we may
see another risk for severe weather and flash flooding develop.
.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...
Activation of emergency management personnel...amateur radio
operators...and storm spotters will not be needed through tonight.
09
Flood, Ouachita
- When
- May 1, 12:00 AM CST to May 31, 11:59 PM CST
- Where
- Ouachita County, 1.68 mi WSW of Phillips to 1.27 mi W of Wall Lake
- Cause
- Heavy Rain
- Reported by
- River/Stream Gage
- Coordinates
- 32.623, -92.098
A very wet winter and springtime season, characteristic of widespread rainfall amounts of 35-40+ inches across much of the Ouachita River basin of Central and Southern Arkansas, and extreme Northern Louisiana since February, resulted in consistently high water spilling downstream along the Ouachita River into Monroe, Louisiana throughout much of April and all of May. This resulted in the Ouachita River in Monroe to remain above the moderate flood stage (43 feet) throughout all of May, cresting just above the 45 ft major flood stage at 45.9 ft at 430 am on the 23rd. A slow recession commenced afterwards, but the Ouachita River at Monroe remained above the 43 ft moderate flood stage through the end of the month. As a result, the Moon Lake recreational area remained flooded and closed, with backwater flooding affecting smaller bayous that drain into the river along with flooding between levee systems. In addition, the Prairon Bayou recreational area was flooded and closed. Portions of the Forsythe Park boat launch and parking lot in Monroe were flooded and closed, while water encroached on several buildings along Riverfront Street in West Monroe. Lastly, the water flooded the bottom of the Desiard Street (Endom) bridge.
- Flood
- Flooding that develops more slowly than a flash flood: rivers leaving their banks, or water standing over land for an extended time.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
- Flash Flooding and Flooding in Missouri, May 1, 20192 deaths · $154,000 · 48 events
- Tornadoes and Flash Flooding in Oklahoma, May 1, 20191 death · $167,000 · EF1 · 53 events
- Flash Flood and Flood in Michigan, May 1, 2019$64 million · 2 events
- Tornadoes and Flash Flooding in Texas, May 1 to 3, 20191 death · 1.75 in hail · 19 events
- Damaging Winds in Arkansas, May 1, 2019$225,000 · 90 kt wind · 16 events
- Flooding in Illinois, May 1 to 31, 2019$280,000 · 11 events
- Flooding in Iowa, May 1 to 31, 2019$350,000 · 2 events
- Flooding in Missouri, May 1 to 31, 2019$170,000 · 3 events
- Hail and Damaging Winds in Kentucky, May 1 to 2, 2019$111,000 · 1.75 in hail · 7 events
- Tornado in Kentucky, May 1, 2019$35,000 · EF1 · 1 event
- Tornado and Flash Flooding in Texas, May 1 to 2, 2019$10,000 · EF1 · 22 events
- Dust Devil in Washington, May 1, 20195 injured · 1 event
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 823962.